The World Meteorological Organization is excited to announce the launch of its WMO 2026 Calendar Competition. Submit by June 15!
About the Competition
This year, the competition will focus on the impacts of weather, climate, and water—both positive and negative—on people and livelihoods. We’re looking for high-quality, meaningful photographs that illustrate the power of nature and the urgent need to protect our beautiful planet. We would also love to receive photographs that showcase what the work of WMO and its Members means to you!
As a specialized agency of the United Nations, we aim to encourage geographical balance by representing all regions of the world. We’re thrilled to receive entries from new participants across an ever-expanding number of countries.
The winning photographs will be featured in the printed WMO 2026 Calendar. They will also appear on the WMO website, social media platforms, public outreach materials, and prominently in our World Meteorological Day 2026 celebrations. We will also promote them among other U.N. agencies.
There’s plenty of recognition to be gained—although no financial reward!
WMO will make an initial selection of outstanding photographs based on technical and artistic merit. Shortlisted entries will then be published on Facebook, Instagram, and Flickr for a public vote.
Since its launch in 2014, the WMO Calendar Competition has grown in stature and recognition. The United Nations regularly features selected photos in news stories and on its websites. WMO’s website and social media channels also constantly promote our calendar entries.
Some national meteorological and hydrological services run their own photo contests and share their winning entries with WMO. We’re always looking to expand the competition and reach aspiring new photographers!
Judging Criteria
Entries will be narrowed down to a shortlist by a WMO panel of experts in meteorology and hydrology as well as experienced professional photographers. Entries will be judged on:
- Illustration of the impact—both positive and negative—of weather, climate, and water on people all over the world
- Technical quality, clarity, and composition
- Visual impact
- Novelty and flair for the unexpected
WMO will make an initial selection of about 75 photographs, based on technical and artistic merit. We will then publish shortlisted photos on Facebook, Instagram and Flickr, allowing our followers to vote for their favourites. The competition will also be promoted via X and via other U.N. social media accounts.
The WMO jury will have the final say on the 13 photos for inclusion in the calendar (one for the cover and one for each month), based on the social media votes but also taking into account geographical balance.
All shortlisted photographs will be showcased on WMO web and social media channels. It is therefore important that you include your own social media handles so that we can credit you appropriately.
How to Enter?
Take a striking photo related to the theme and/or weather, climate and water and that meets our submission guidelines. Enter your photograph into the competition by using our dedicated Entry Form. Photographers may submit multiple entries, but only one photo can be included in the final calendar. If you share your photos on your own social media profiles, use the #WMOphoto hashtag.
Submission Guidelines
- All photos must be a minimum size of 4000 x 3000 pixels.
- All photos must be submitted in JPEG or TIFF format (with little compression to preserve image quality.
- All photos must be in landscape (horizontal) format.
- Black and white photographs as well as coloured photographs will be accepted.
- All photos must be clearly captioned, including a title, a location and the date of the photograph.
How to Register?
Interested participants can register through this link.
Deadline entry
The deadline for entry is 15 June 2025.
